After having watched Julie & Julia (I love love love the part with Julia), reading My Life in France, receiving a wonderful Paris cookbook and constantly having people tell me I remind them of Barefoot Contessa*, it seemed like fate wanted me to cook more. Since I live in Chicago and winter can be a bit of a bear, this was a perfect indoor project. It's good because it is something I could do at my leisure and there is no pressure to get things done.
I have always loved cooking and am actually pretty good it. I do quite a bit of entertaining. Brunch is my favorite meal to host! I decided this was good opportunity to push my skills and really cook from scratch on all levels. (read: no semi-homemade business) I have a little list of what to make I am compiling in my Lilly Pulitzer 2010 Agenda.
So with much love I wish you (and me) Bon Appetit!
*I do adore Ina and am very flattered by the comparision. But I feel compelled to point out I am much younger and have a much more vast wardrobe than her.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Chicago French Market
A few weekends ago, I ventured to the Chicago French Market. The CFM is an indoor marketplace selling fresh groceries and flowers, along with many food stands. The purveyors are all local businesses and local ingredients (as much as possible). Because the CFM is pretty new, there are only a handful of vendors. The goal is to eventually have to be close to Milwaukee's Public Market. It was very pretty on the inside and I am glad there is a lot of room for growth.
The Apple Stand - look how shiny and yummy these apples look:
The Flowers Stands were also one of my favorite parts. I especially love pink and orange together in the form of gerber daisies.
My lunch was from Pastoral. Pastoral is a local artisan cheese and gourmet foods shop.
I had a lovely sandwich with herbed goat cheese, avocado, roasted red pepper, and tomato all on warm french bread. It was delish.
For dessert I had the best crepe this side of the Atlantic. It was a fresh made crepe with smeared Nutella, marshmallow sauce that was then broiled, with graham cracker crumbs and banana's. It was amazing.
Each weekend, they are adding more vendors and shoppes which is very exciting. I am already trying to figure out when I am going to visit next.
The Apple Stand - look how shiny and yummy these apples look:
The Flowers Stands were also one of my favorite parts. I especially love pink and orange together in the form of gerber daisies.
My lunch was from Pastoral. Pastoral is a local artisan cheese and gourmet foods shop.
I had a lovely sandwich with herbed goat cheese, avocado, roasted red pepper, and tomato all on warm french bread. It was delish.
For dessert I had the best crepe this side of the Atlantic. It was a fresh made crepe with smeared Nutella, marshmallow sauce that was then broiled, with graham cracker crumbs and banana's. It was amazing.
Each weekend, they are adding more vendors and shoppes which is very exciting. I am already trying to figure out when I am going to visit next.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Showtune Tuesday
While I am a little on the old side to like Zac Efron, I do. I also like this part of Hairspray because it is so upbeat.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Veuve Clicquot Champagne
I adore champagne and of course one of my favorites is Veuve. Seeing the orange-yellow label always brings a smile to my face. One of my all time favorite books is The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It.
From Amazon: The Widow Clicquot, a fascinating story of the cunning bravery and good fortune that helped build the Veuve Clicquot brand. Widowed at age twenty-seven by the death of her husband François Clicquot, Barbe-Nicole assumed control of her family’s wine business amid the chaos of The Napoleonic Wars. That she became a prominent female leader in a male-dominated industry was one thing; building an empire amid savage political unrest was quite another. With passionate research and true admiration for her subject, Mazzeo pays homage to the beloved Widow from Reims and the remarkable weight her name still carries today.
I also love all the accessories on their site. Why shouldn't your champagne have a Clicquot Traveller? Or a Cruiser Bag?
Today while doing a little grocery shopping, I stumbled upon a wonderful display of Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne. It is perfect timing for Valentine's Day.
It is the perfect pink for Valentine's Day, actually all year round.
Let the cork pop and the bubbles flow.
From Amazon: The Widow Clicquot, a fascinating story of the cunning bravery and good fortune that helped build the Veuve Clicquot brand. Widowed at age twenty-seven by the death of her husband François Clicquot, Barbe-Nicole assumed control of her family’s wine business amid the chaos of The Napoleonic Wars. That she became a prominent female leader in a male-dominated industry was one thing; building an empire amid savage political unrest was quite another. With passionate research and true admiration for her subject, Mazzeo pays homage to the beloved Widow from Reims and the remarkable weight her name still carries today.
I also love all the accessories on their site. Why shouldn't your champagne have a Clicquot Traveller? Or a Cruiser Bag?
Today while doing a little grocery shopping, I stumbled upon a wonderful display of Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne. It is perfect timing for Valentine's Day.
It is the perfect pink for Valentine's Day, actually all year round.
Let the cork pop and the bubbles flow.
Can't Stop Watching
I simply cannot stop watching the Sex and the City 2 trailer. I heart it so much. I adore the theme song by Alicia Keys. So perf! I am so excited to see SATC 2 in the theater. I saw SATC 1, three times in the theater. I just can't get enough.
A Glint in My Eye
Yesterday during my trip out, I popped into Nordstrom and spotted this cutie. Of course, I had to have them! They are made of fuchsia satin and the 'bow' is so pretty. They are also very comfy, because the heel is a little over 2". I think they will look great peeking out of dark jeans. Or paired with a black dress.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Spring Arrives at Kate Spade
Earlier this week, Kate Spade unveiled the Spring Collection online. I am a devoted KS fan, so of course I was anxiously awaiting the weekend to see it in person at the store on Oak St. My top four choices are below!
Charm City Ostrich Maryanne
I love the purple color and think this is a great color for Spring. I can imagine this with lots of different colors. It would be bright and cheery with magenta or quietly sophisticated with navy blue. Perhaps a navy blue sheath and this bag for a day on the town?
Eaton Square Straw Large Tote
The polka dots and bow get me every time. Every. Time. This would definitely be my default everyday purse.
Julibee Stripe Ellie
Navy Blue and Lime Green is one of my favorite all time color combos. I can even pinpoint when I first loved it. My mother and I had purchased an outfit from Sake in Carew Tower in Cincinnati that was a navy pleated skirt, nevy and lime striped shirt with a lime with navy trim cardigan. That and my navy penny loafers equaled one great outfit.
Wellie Magee Bag
The Wellie bag made the lst for the cheerful stripes and being water proof. When it rains in Chicago, it rains in crazy directions so often times, an umbrella only covers your head. This is a great alternative to getting your nylon KS's wet.
Hopefully one of these will move from the wishlist to the closet soon!
Charm City Ostrich Maryanne
I love the purple color and think this is a great color for Spring. I can imagine this with lots of different colors. It would be bright and cheery with magenta or quietly sophisticated with navy blue. Perhaps a navy blue sheath and this bag for a day on the town?
Eaton Square Straw Large Tote
The polka dots and bow get me every time. Every. Time. This would definitely be my default everyday purse.
Julibee Stripe Ellie
Navy Blue and Lime Green is one of my favorite all time color combos. I can even pinpoint when I first loved it. My mother and I had purchased an outfit from Sake in Carew Tower in Cincinnati that was a navy pleated skirt, nevy and lime striped shirt with a lime with navy trim cardigan. That and my navy penny loafers equaled one great outfit.
Wellie Magee Bag
The Wellie bag made the lst for the cheerful stripes and being water proof. When it rains in Chicago, it rains in crazy directions so often times, an umbrella only covers your head. This is a great alternative to getting your nylon KS's wet.
Hopefully one of these will move from the wishlist to the closet soon!
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